National Australia Bank appoints Simon McKeon AO as non-exec director

National Australia Bank Limited today announces the appointment of Simon McKeon AO as a non-executive director. The appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval, is effective February 3, 2020.

Mr McKeon has a wealth of experience in banking, risk management and governance. He is the Chancellor of Monash University and a non-executive director on the boards of Rio Tinto and Spotless Group. He served as inaugural President of the Banking + Finance Oath’s Review Panel and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr McKeon practiced as a solicitor before joining Macquarie Group, where he had a 30-year career that culminated in the role of Executive Chairman (Melbourne Office). He has also served as non-executive director and Chairman of MYOB Limited and AMP Limited, Chairman of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and was the founding president of the Australian Takeovers Panel.

Mr McKeon was named 2011 Australian of the Year and in 2012 was named an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to business and commerce through leadership and advisory roles, and to the community as a supporter of national and international charitable, educational and sporting organisations.

Mr McKeon said: “Our largest financial services organisations provide financial stability and essential services to consumers and businesses, while at the same time employing tens of thousands of Australians and providing substantial community support.

“In recent years these organisations including NAB have been subjected to significant and well-founded criticism while also becoming increasingly complicated and challenging entities to run.

“Joining NAB as a director gives me an opportunity to assist the improvement process from the inside, while also supporting the bank’s ambitions at a time of seriously enhanced competition.”